The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight…

 

I don’t think we’d get many people arguing when we say Christmas is about love. Perhaps not too many arguments if we say ‘God’s love’. But I think the complaints start coming when we say Christmas is about a Man. A Man who came to demonstrate God’s love in a completely real, tangible, relatable way. A Man not of this world, and so very special. So special in fact, that creation did some very peculiar things when He was born. So special that wind and waves obey Him, as well as the suns and planets of the universe. In fact, He spoke them into being in the first place.

 

He existed before He was born and lived after He died. The timelines of Earth point to Him. More than 300 ancient prophecies point to Him. Even other world religions point to Him. He is the most famous Man in history. No other man (or woman) even comes close. He, of course, is Jesus.

 

He caused such a stir upon Earth, right from the moment He was born. Countless people have suffered because of Him, beginning with several baby boys in Bethlehem.

 

When He came, He was not a Man, He was a Baby. And this confused many people, (still confuses people today). I wonder about the conversations among the Jewish people at the time.

‘But how is a baby going to deliver us from the Romans?’ says one.

‘I thought that perhaps some of the prophecies about a baby were a metaphor,’ says another.

‘Babies grow up.’

‘Yes, but… this is not what I was expecting. Are we to wait another thirty-odd years?’

‘We have waited thousands of generations. What is thirty more years?’

‘But this can’t be the Promised One. How will he have any influence when he’s from such a lowly family? So confined by the same Roman prison we are all in?’

 

But there were some who understood. Simeon, for example, eagerly waiting for the Messiah. When Jesus was brought to the Temple, Simeon was there, took the Baby in his arms and said,

“Sovereign Lord, now let Your servant die in peace, as You have promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of Your people Israel!”

 

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight…

Israel had been promised a Redeemer. A King with a Kingdom that would last forever (2 Sam 7:13 / Dan 7:14). A ruler Whose origins are from old (Mic 5:2). Someone to crush the enemy’s head (Gen 3:15). Someone to perform miraculous wonders (Is 35:5-6). A bringer of justice (Is 42:1-4). Someone who will set captives free (Is 61:1). And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. (Is 9:6-7)

 

God filled the spirits of these prophets with knowledge and praise for Him. God filled the hearts of those who would read those prophecies with hope. God filled the sky with blinding light and angel song on the night He was born. God filled Mary’s heart with burning joy as she cradled Him. God filled His followers with the Holy Spirit. He fills our lives with hope, peace, and joy everyday when we open up our hearts to Him.

 

For generations, the world waited in anticipation. Waited in hope… eager, yearning, longing, aching. And then… one night… He arrived. Most of the world didn’t quite understand it yet. But the angels knew, the stars knew, the shepherds, the wisemen, perhaps even the animals in that place knew. Mary, Joseph, and Simeon knew. And how much more ought we to ‘know’, that Jesus is the hope of this world. Through God’s Word, His big picture has been revealed to us – the whole plan from start to finish!

 

The world was weary. The world is weary. We are all weary at times. But are you rejoicing?

 

Hope is here! Rejoice! And again I say, “Rejoice!”